The Philippines Expat Advisor

Are you thinking of retiring to the Philippines? I moved to this group of 7,107 islands with my beautiful Filipina wife over nine years ago. Aside from getting used to men peeing in public in broad daylight, there are other issues to deal with in this Southeast Asian “paradise.” Here’s my list of 10 Things You Need to Know before Moving to the Philippines.

Anyone that knows me wouldn’t be surprised by the title of this post: “Crusty Old Expat’s Antisocial Ways.” It doesn’t bother me that I’m probably the only person in the Philippines that isn’t on Facebook. We rarely have friends over. Pool parties are limited to close relatives now. And I haven’t been shopping in nearby Iloilo City for weeks.

American expat in the Philippines. A Simple Man. A Simple Life. No one has threatened to kill me recently. I’ve only had to yell at one jeepney operator blocking our main street in downtown San Miguel, Guimaras, the other day. No trips to nearby Iloilo City in about a month. I wish I could report more exciting events but I can’t.

What are the 10 questions you should ask before you move to the Philippines? After residing in the Philippines for over eight years now, I’ve encountered several expats that sometimes find themselves in dire straits. Whether it be financial, relationship or health issues, take stock of the following questions and determine your own personal readiness for a move to the Philippines.

I apologize to anyone who might be offended by the graphic picture shown courtesy of Panay News.While the American expat motorcyclist from Texas was struck by a jeepney, I don’t see any signs of the victim wearing a helmet.

Hang on, boys and girls. It’s the “Conclusion: Dog Dispute Delivers Dispatch from Barangay Captain.” One of our neighbors had filed a complaint at our local barangay hall. My wife and I were ordered to appear before our barangay captain the next day. Failing to do so can result in contempt of court charges being filed against you.

My E-book, “The Philippines Expat Advisor”, has a section that deals with barangay captains. “Dog Dispute Delivers Dispatch from Barangay Captain” relates a recent visit we had to our own local government unit, LGU. It’s imperative that you have a good relationship with your own local “kapitan.” You never know when you might receive a summons to the local barangay hall.